Brooklyn Federal Criminal Defense Attorney

Brooklyn is more than one of New York City’s five boroughs. It is nearly a country unto itself, with loyal and devoted citizenry, its own take on the English language, and points of interest so exciting and diverse that they draw visitors from throughout the United States and abroad. In recent years, Brooklyn has increasingly become a magnet for young adults seeking housing in the expanding urban center of New York City. Brooklyn draws people of all ages with its myriad attractions: the Brooklyn Museum, Coney Island, DUMBO, the Brooklyn Bridge, Barclay’s Center, free summer concerts in Prospect Park, a wide ranges of restaurants with every possible cuisine, and bars and clubs pulsing with energy.

As unique as Brooklyn is, however, it is plagued by the same challenges and injustices as the rest of the world. The colorful borough turns bleak very quickly if you are arrested here for a criminal offense. The Law Office of Mark J. Sacco provides superior criminal defense to clients from Brooklyn as well as all parts of New York State. One of the practice areas we specialize in is criminal appeals. If you have been convicted of a crime in Brooklyn, we are well-prepared to appeal your case to a higher court — a task which many attorneys are unwilling or unable to tackle. More than that, we have a track record of successful appeals resulting in dismissals or diminished penalties.

We all know that a certain number of cases result in convictions. Fortunately, our justice system allows for an appeals process to try to ensure that courtroom mistakes are corrected and that innocent individuals do not serve sentences they do not deserve.

With almost two decades of experience dealing with proceedings in New York State and federal appellate courts, the Law Office of Mark J. Sacco has developed the well-honed research and legal writing skills essential for court appeals. Our team takes pride in the fact that we have, over and over again, filed appellate briefs and made oral arguments persuasive enough to convince appellate judges to overturn criminal convictions.

Reasons for Appeal

In order to appeal your case, we must demonstrate one of the following:

That the lower court made a serious error regarding the law

That the verdict was not supported by the evidence presented

That the lower court abused its discretion in rendering a ruling

Once our attorneys have established one of these reasons for appeal, we must go through a number of important steps to see the process through.

Why the Law Office of Mark J. Sacco Is Your Best Choice

Whether you reside in Brooklyn or any other part of New York State, our practice is highly capable of assisting you with the appeals process. When you are appealing an unjust conviction, the attorney you choose can make all the difference. Putting your trust in the Law Office of Mark J. Sacco will give you the best possible chance of successfully winning your appeal since we are well-practiced at guiding our clients effectively through each of the following:

The Notice of Appeal

By filing the notice of appeal we inform the trial and appellate courts of our intention to appeal the verdict of the lower court. In taking this step, we must adhere to strict time limits whether the action is taking place in state or federal court. While extensions may be granted in exceptional circumstances, we are efficient, knowing that the failure to meet these deadlines may close down our options.

Designating the Record

Designating the record begins with obtaining the transcripts of the trial court so that we can review them thoroughly and pinpoint any procedural, substantive, evidentiary or constitutional errors — such as rulings on a motion, admissibility or inadmissibility of evidence, objections sustained or overruled at trial, or findings of a jury verdict. Our attorneys then make the mistakes that form the basis of our appeal clear to the appellate court in the Notice Designating the Record on Appeal.

The Appellate Brief

The appellate brief is where our team’s research and writing skills are invaluable. The critical thinking and ability to clearly communicate relevant facts is paramount to a successful appeal. Persuading the appellate judges to hear our appeal and eventually rule in your favor will be based on the weight of the arguments put forth in this brief.

Oral Argument

The culmination of the appeal is the oral argument we make before an appellate panel. Mark J. Sacco attorneys’ ability to articulate and convince in this venue is unparalleled. Through long experience overcoming the obstacles of judicial questions with cogent answers, we use our considerable talents to make our final argument acceptable to the appellate judges and win your case.

When an Appeal Is Granted

When the appellate court decides to grant an appeal, the lower court’s decision may be wholly or partially reversed. The trial court may be assigned to rehear the case in order to focus on the specific issues brought to its attention. You should be aware, however, that the appellate court may also decide that the original ruling was correct, meaning the original verdict will remain in place. Understanding the appellate court system as completely as we do, we will not waste your time or ours over harmless errors made by the lower court that will not affect the verdict. If, however, upon reviewing and evaluating your case, we feel that we have a strong chance of filing a successful appeal, we will work tirelessly on your behalf.

Contact the Law Office of Mark J. Sacco Promptly

Because there are time limits to be met, please get in touch with our offices as soon as possible, either by phone or by filling out a contact form on our website. Remember that your initial consultation is free. We are here to help and will always give you a realistic assessment of your chances for a successful appeal.